Kenner Announces Repair Program On Its Colorblaster Spray Art Toy

PRODUCT: The Colorblaster, model 14290, spray art design toy by Kenner Products, a division of Tonka Corporation.

PROBLEM: Overtightening the locked handle can cause the plastic threads to loosen. High pressure build-up or forceful pumping of the handle may cause the handle and cap to separate from the base and strike a child.

WHAT TO DO: Return to place of purchase for a full refund or call 1-800-327-8264 to receive a new pump assembly.

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kenner Products, a division of Tonka Corporation, of Cincinnati, OH is announcing a voluntary repair program of its COLORBLASTER Model No. 14290 spray art design toy. The toy uses a hand pump to pressurize air in a plastic cylinder. An air brush attached to the cylinder allows children to make designs and artwork. Overtightening the locked handle can cause the plastic threads to loosen. That, combined with over-pumping the handle, may cause the handle and cap to separate from the base and strike a child.

CPSC was informed of this potential hazard by Kenner Products after the company received reports of two injuries. Both injuries occurred when the pump handle blew out of the base and struck the child in the face.

Approximately 292,000 COLORBLASTERS were sold between May 1991 and November 1991. The toys were distributed nationally through wholesale and retail outlets and sold for approximately $29.99 each.

In the interest of children's safety, the company has decided to initiate this repair program. Only the COLORBLASTERS Model No. 14290 with L-shaped hooks underneath the handle, which are used to lock the handle to the cap, are affected. The new unit, Model No. 14290-02, which is not affected, includes modifications to prevent the removal of the assembly tube from the cylinder, and does not have L-shaped hooks on the handle.

Consumers who own one of the affected toys are instructed to contact Kenner Products toll-free at 1-800-327-8264 to receive a new pump assembly or to obtain further information. Consumers may also write to: Kenner Colorblaster Repair Program, 200 Narragansett Park Drive, P.O. Box 200, Pawtucket, RI 02860-0200. Consumers may also return the product to the store where purchased for a full refund.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is announcing this repair program as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products.